South Melbourne FC has confirmed the departure of General Manager David Clarkson

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Image credit: South Melbourne FC

South Melbourne FC shared the news this week of General Manager David Clarkson’s departure, acknowledging his significant contributions over the past 12 months as South Melbourne positions itself for entry into the proposed National Second Division.

David Clarkson in his role as General Manager has been instrumental in strengthening South Melbourne’s off-field operations during a crucial period of transition for the club.

David Clarkson has had a strong connection to the club as a hall of famer who played in Ange Postecoglou’s successful back-to-back NSL grand final teams of 1998 and 1999.

“South Melbourne FC is disappointed to announce the departure of General Manager David Clarkson, who is relocating permanently overseas with his family for an exciting new opportunity,” the club said via press release.

“David leaves with our full support and gratitude for his impact both on and off the pitch.”

Soccerscene had the pleasure of interviewing David Clarkson and South Melbourne president Nicholas Maikousis back in 2024.

In this conversation, David Clarkson explained the importance of his role as General Director in strengthening the strong relationship that South Melbourne FC has with its local footballing community.

“Where I feel I can add benefit to the club is in this community space, working with juniors and bringing people back.

“South Melbourne is a club of the people, serving the community, girls, boys, and persons with disabilities, you are welcome at our football club.

“This badge means a lot to people but only if it keeps delivering and that’s what we intend to do.”

The club has moved quickly to fill the void, appointing Strati Xynas as Interim General Manager with immediate effect.

Xynas brings extensive football administration experience to the role, having previously served as South Melbourne’s Technical Director and Head of Football.

In his new capacity, Xynas will oversee daily operations across all business areas whilst working closely with the Board of Directors on key strategic initiatives.

The club has identified strengthening relationships with members, internal departments, corporate partners, and the broader South Melbourne community as priority areas.

As the storied South Melbourne FC continues its push towards the pivotal period for Australian football’s expansion with the NSD, the club remains focused on building for the future.

The role David played was crucial in fostering an important club nucleus built on supporting local fellow football clubs, developing youth players and the wider community.

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Football Victoria Backs Campaign to Shield Junior Players from Gambling Harm

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More than 600 sporting clubs across Victoria have enrolled in a state government program designed to limit young players’ exposure to gambling, with Football Victoria now urging its community clubs to join before a late-July registration deadline.

The Love the Game initiative asks clubs to formally commit to a set of principles: refusing sports betting sponsorships, developing internal harm prevention policies, and building environments where coaches, parents and players are equipped to discuss gambling risks with children.

The program’s public health rationale has a sharper statistical edge than its community-facing materials suggest. A 2025 study of Victorian secondary school students aged 12 to 17 found that nearly 30% had gambled at some point, and among those who had gambled in the past year, 7.5% met the criteria for problem-gambling and a further 26.8% were classified as ‘at-risk’. The research, commissioned by the state government and published earlier this year, also found that students exposed to gambling venues and advertising were more likely to gamble or to do so in a risky manner.

The most recent Victorian Population Gambling Study found that Victorians aged 18 to 24 are the group least likely to gamble overall, yet carry the highest rates of harmful gambling across all age groups. Young people aged 18 to 34 are around five times more likely to bet on sports than older cohorts.

When the data lands at the clubhouse door

Football Victoria’s support for the program reflects a broader recognition within community sport that participation rates and club culture are connected. The environments clubs create shape whether young people stay in sport and what norms they carry with them into adulthood. For football specifically, which draws participants across a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, that responsibility is not evenly distributed. Approximately 440,000 Victorians, or 8.5 per cent of the state’s population, are classified as being at some risk of experiencing problem gambling.

The Victorian Government’s program gives clubs more than symbolic membership. Registered clubs receive practical tools to develop governance frameworks around gambling harm, resources for coaching staff and volunteers, and standing as part of a growing network of clubs taking a formal position on the issue.

Researchers have described the current framing of gambling harm as a matter of personal responsibility as inadequate, arguing it is a public health issue requiring a systemic response. Community football clubs, with their reach into households across the state, are one of the institutional levers available to make that response visible.

Melbourne Victory driving strong partnerships with BYD

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The innovative vehicle manufacturer will join the Victory family as a Major Partner and Exclusive Motor Vehicle Supplier in a 12-month deal.

 

Elite performance, accessible for all

The alliance between Melbourne Victory and BYD reflects both parties’ commitment to progress, efficiency and high performance. It brings together two organisations who share vision and values, two fundamental aspects of any successful partnership.

On one hand is a rapidly growing and community-connected manufacturing company with over 100 sites, intent on providing reliable vehicles to Australian families. On the other, a successful club in the heart of Melbourne, with ambitions to progress on the pitch while regularly engaging with the community.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, commented on the strong foundations of the partnership with BYD.

“Founded only a decade apart, there is a shared history of, and ambition for, continued accelerated growth between Melbourne Victory and BYD.”

“Not only is there a clear alignment of our vision and values to lead, unite, connect and inspire, but a mutual commitment to creating a better future for our communities.”

 

Delivering for the community

As part of the partnership, BYD’s branding will feature on Victory’s home and away jerseys, as well as across the Academy, media and Community assets.

Moreover, the agreement comes as a response from Victory to members and fans’ wishes for not just any vehicle partner, but one which is appropriate and coherent to their day-to-day lives. And as BYD Australia Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Collins, explained, the new energy vehicle manufacturer is driving far more than just passengers.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Melbourne Victory, a club that shares our relentless drive for performance and innovation,” expressed Collins.

“As the exclusive vehicle supplier, we’re not just providing new energy mobility; we’re supporting the team’s journey towards a more sustainable future.”

New energy, new partner and new ambitions for Melbourne Victory, who will compete on the international stage next season in the AFC Champions League Two.

And with a partner like BYD to back them, players and fans in the Victory family will be hoping it is the start of a journey to success.

 

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